Lead Level Designer in England

Based in our Guildford, UK studio. This hybrid position requires in‑studio presence with some remote flexibility. Permanent remote work is not available.

Sledgehammer Games is a leading developer in the video game industry. Since its inception in 2009, the studio has delivered iconic titles including Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Call of Duty: WWII (2017), and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. We are committed to pushing boundaries and setting new standards for visual and gameplay fidelity.

As a Lead Single Player Level Designer, your mission is to guide the creative and technical direction of our campaign levels from early concept to final polish. You’ll lead a talented team of designers in building cinematic, gameplay‑driven levels that deliver emotional impact and unforgettable player experiences. You will champion design quality, mentor others, and collaborate closely with narrative, art, engineering and production to bring the studio’s creative vision to life.

Responsibilities

• Act as the level design leader for Single Player content made by Sledgehammer Games.
• Lead by example through hands‑on creation of high‑quality level content.
• Define and uphold best practices in level design, pacing and player readability.
• Translate creative direction into clear, actionable design goals and documentation.
• Hold regular reviews and provide iterative feedback to the team to meet the required quality bar.
• Build effective working relationships with key creative and production partners across Sledgehammer Games, ensuring consistency of output from the studio.
• Work with stakeholders across other Activision studios to ensure content developed fits with creative pillars.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and career development for level designers of varying experience levels.
• Work with user research during playtests to identify iterative improvements and changes.
• Learn, understand, and improve the tools and workflow for the team.
• Work with production teams to provide estimates and schedules for the Design team.
• Communicate progress and resolution of issues with the ability to set guidelines for peers and support teams.
• Represent the team’s work at global SHG all‑hands meetings when required.
• Partner with the recruitment team to identify key hires, taking an active role in building the core team.
• Over time, become a key creative leader at the studio with a highly visible presence at team all‑hands and other studio events, visiting other studios when required.

Minimum Requirements

• Extensive industry experience working in AAA game design and a professional portfolio that demonstrates prior experience.
• Previous experience as a lead designer with at least 2 designers under your mentorship.
• Prior experience with technical scripting, ideally through text‑based languages (C++, C#, Lua, or similar) or Unreal’s Blueprints.
• Expansive knowledge of game design with appreciation and understanding for other disciplines.
• Strong grasp of combat design, AI behaviours, player guidance and geometry building, flow and layout.
• Solid understanding of level design with ability to clearly discuss modern trends.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to pitch concepts clearly and concisely, and to demonstrate critical thinking.
• Experience working with proprietary engines and toolsets, including Unreal.
• Analytical problem‑solver with a passion for iteration and continuous improvement.
• Passion and enthusiasm for narrative‑driven single‑player games with a broad range of game experience.
• An egoless attitude that encourages feedback and constructive critique, and enjoys working in a collaborative, iterative, and agile process.
• Experience taking major AAA console and PC games from concept to completion.
• Open to working in or relocating to Guildford, UK.

Extra Points

• Ideally shipped at least one title as a lead designer.
• Experience working on projects involving multiple internal and external partners, and with established franchises where close collaboration with publishing owners is required.

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Research shows that women and members of other under‑represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! At Activision Blizzard, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

Our World

At Activision, we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. We’re driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy. We are home to some of the most beloved franchises. We’re not just looking back at our legacy; we’re forging ahead to keep advancing gameplay with some of the most popular titles and sophisticated technology in the world. We are in the business of delivering fun and unforgettable entertainment for our player community.

Ready to Activate Your Future? The video game industry is fast‑paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.

Sledgehammer Games is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Industries: Computer Games